By Ken Schlimgen
General Manager
The first day of spring arrived on March 20, 2026, yet as I write this on the final day of March, snow is once again in the forecast. It has certainly been an unusual winter.
By the time you receive this newsletter, Easter will have come and gone, and hopefully so will the last snowfall of the season. Our farming communities are already preparing for the months ahead—applying fertilizer, watching soil conditions and patiently waiting for the opportunity to begin planting. As always, much depends on the weather, and there is a shared hope for a strong, healthy crop.
In many ways, your electric cooperative is also entering a season of planting. Between now and the first hard frost this fall, we plan to install approximately 50 miles of underground electric cable. Much of this work will replace overhead lines that were originally constructed in the 1950s and 1960s. While we have made steady progress over the years, about 1,600 miles of these older lines still remain. Replacing them is a priority, as it will increase system capacity and improve overall reliability for our members.
Alongside these upgrades, we are planning for a busy construction season. Our crews expect to build approximately 50 new electric services—of which we have already received 20 requests—and upgrade around 100 existing services. This level of activity is higher than we typically see this early in the year, and it reflects continued growth across our service area.
We are also investing in modern technology within our substations and distribution system. These improvements will allow for remote monitoring of voltage levels and power quality, helping us respond more quickly and efficiently to issues. In addition, we will test approximately 5,000 poles for structural integrity and replace around 200 poles that did not pass inspection in 2025.
While supply chain conditions have improved, some materials—such as underground cable and high-voltage switches—can still take up to a year to arrive. Fortunately, we have secured enough cable for our known 2026 projects. If you are planning a project that requires new or upgraded electric service, we strongly encourage you to contact us early to help avoid delays.
Spring also marks the first opportunity of the year to apply for Operation Round-Up grants. These grants are funded by members who voluntarily round up their monthly electric bill, contributing an average of about $6 per year. Those small contributions add up to make a meaningful impact in our communities. The application deadlines are May 1 and November 1.
We will also be hosting our district meetings in June. Dates and locations are included in this newsletter. You can expect to receive a postcard with official details as the meetings approach. I encourage you to attend—and to bring a neighbor along. It’s always a great opportunity to connect, share a meal and spend time together as a cooperative community.
Both farming and the business of delivering electricity have evolved significantly over the years, shaped by innovation and new technologies. Yet at their core, they still rely on something timeless: faith. Faith that the work we do today, like the seed planted in the soil, will grow into something that benefits our families, our neighbors and our communities.
Until next month, stay safe!